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Researchers have discovered that the H1N1 flu pandemic virus had been circulating for at least 10 years in pigs but underwent a genetic mutation that allowed it to replicate easily in people. "This gives us another marker to help predict the possibility of future flu pandemics," one of the researchers said in a paper.

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Pets have been shown to provide health and other benefits to people, but they also can pose safety risks, particularly to aging animal owners. To lessen the risk of pets becoming a safety hazard, this article advises taking the animals to training classes, among other recommendations.

About 80% of small-business owners say they are affected by the credit crunch. One of them is Chloe Velasquez of Sabio Springs, a Pennsylvania-based water company. She says she has struggled with her business because she was not given enough capital. A $30 billion bill that has failed in the Senate would provide $12 billion in tax cuts for banks and small businesses. It is unlikely that Congress will approve the bill before its summer recess.

Researchers have discovered that the H1N1 flu pandemic virus had been circulating for at least 10 years in pigs but underwent a genetic mutation that allowed it to replicate easily in people. "This gives us another marker to help predict the possibility of future flu pandemics," one of the researchers said in a paper.

Residents in Illinois are being urged by the state's Emergency Management Agency to consider their domestic and livestock animals when devising a disaster plan. Preparing for a disaster can help lessen the stress on animals during a flood, earthquake or tornado, experts said.

U.S. researchers studying rabies transmission in bats found that while the animals do have to come in contact for infection to happen, close evolutionary ties increased their susceptibility to contract the virus. The study "emphasizes how ecology and evolution are relevant for human health and for animal health," one expert said.